For decades, Human Concern International has engaged young people not only as beneficiaries of humanitarian programs funded by Canadian donors, but as volunteers and participants in our programming. Youth have always played a vital role in the development of humanitarian work in shaping ideas, strengthening communities, and carrying forward the responsibility of service.
In that spirit, HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship was established to more intentionally involve youth in the life and leadership of HCI. Rooted in the Islamic tradition of philanthropy, the program mentors youth in leadership, service, and humanitarian engagement. It provides them with the skills, knowledge, and faith-based grounding to understand why giving and serving others are not optional acts of kindness, but central obligations in our deen. From the example of the Prophet ﷺ in leading with compassion and generosity, to the tradition of the Sahaba in supporting those in need and building just societies, HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship seeks to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry this legacy forward.
Through this initiative, we aim to nurture youth into active global citizens of the ummah who are rooted in their deen, connected to their communities, and engaged in building real, just, and lasting solutions to the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. At the heart of this vision is a timeless Islamic principle: that giving is not an act of generosity alone, but an expression of faith and a duty of conscience. Allah ﷻ reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Never will you attain righteousness until you give from that which you love. And whatever you give, indeed Allah is Knowing of it.”
(Surah Aal Imran, 3:92)
Through mentorship, training, and collaboration, HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship offers young people the opportunity to learn from community leaders, contribute their perspectives, and participate meaningfully in shaping HCI’s humanitarian vision. It is a space where youth move beyond volunteers or recipients of aid and become active contributors who are helping design solutions, strengthen communities, and support the journey from crisis to sustainability around the world.
HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship is not simply a program you attend but it is a leadership journey rooted in faith, service, and real-world impact.
As a member of the inaugural HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship cohort, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the direction of HCI’s youth engagement strategy and community initiatives. Your voice will matter. Your ideas will help shape how HCI works with youth locally and globally.
Participants will receive structured training in:
Throughout the program, you will:
This ensures that leadership is not only discussed, but practiced.
As a HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship participant, you will contribute to shaping HCI’s understanding of Muslim youth priorities. Your feedback, insights, and perspectives will inform how HCI develops future programming, engages donors, and supports communities globally.
Selected participants may have the opportunity to attend the Global Youth Convention, where youth from across HCI’s international network come together to collaborate, exchange ideas, and pitch community impact projects.*
This experience connects you to a broader ummah of youth leaders committed to service and sustainability.
*Participation in the Global Youth Convention is subject to selection and program criteria.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive:
Participants may have the opportunity to serve on the CEO advisory committee to influence strategy, shape programs and have an institutional impact.
As part of the program, selected youth will have the opportunity to pitch their community impact project at the Global Youth Convention, a multi-day international gathering bringing together youth cohorts from around the world for collaborative training, project development, and networking. Selected projects will receive a grant for you and your team to implement at home.
Applications Open · April 01
Applications Close · May 30
Selected applicants contacted · May 31
Program Launch Event · June
June-December - Project development, mentorship, training
Global Youth Convention - Late 2026/Early 2027
Once you complete your application, you will be invited to complete a survey. Applications are open until May 30th, 2026.
Our team will review applications and select applicants to be part of HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship. You can expect to hear back by May 31st, 2026. Our first meeting will take place in June.
Selected participants will travel to Turkey to pitch their solution to a community issue for a chance to win grants to implement your project back at home.
HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship is designed to help you grow in confidence, clarity, and commitment, rooted in your deen and equipped to serve your community. It is an opportunity to develop the skills, relationships, and vision necessary to carry forward the tradition of service that defines our faith.
We are looking for applicants between the ages of 14-25 who share HCI’s vision.
Applicants should be located in one of the following cities.
Canada: GTA, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton
USA: Indiana, New York, Arizona, Detroit, Dallas, Chicago
Applications are open April 1-May 30 2026.
The date will be announced to selected candidates once finalized. It will taken place at the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Applicants will be expected to attend a session per month from June to December 2026. These training dates will be roughly 4-6 hours.
The age requirement for HCI Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship is firm. The program is specifically designed for youth within the stated age range, as the curriculum, mentorship structure, and cohort model are tailored to that stage of personal and leadership development.
With respect to location, the program is organized around select hub cities. However, this does not mean you must live directly within the city limits. We understand that many applicants live in surrounding suburbs, neighboring towns, or nearby communities. If you reside within reasonable proximity to one of the listed cities and can participate in that chapter’s meetings and activities, you are welcome to apply under that city. Most meetings will be virtual but some may be in person.
When completing your application, simply select the city you are able and willing to participate in. Our goal is accessibility and inclusion, not rigid geographic boundaries.
If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected]
If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected]
Join the inaugural cohort of HCI’s Global Humanitarian Youth Fellowship. Applications are open April 1 – May 30, 2026. Your journey to becoming a humanitarian leader starts here.
